Willingham learned that the English dub of
Dragon Ball Z was being recorded in Dallas, and asked
Laura Bailey, who he knew through their talent agency, to "put in a good word for him". A director there asked him to audition for the part of
Roy Mustang in
Fullmetal Alchemist, and he received the role. While he described it as "the most intensive, spirit-crushing time ever in voiceover”, it ultimately led to his rise to prominence in the industry. After moving to Los Angeles, Willingham attempted to pursue a career in acting but fared poorly due to his tall height (6 ft 4in). He returned to voice acting at the suggestion of his agent; Willingham had been unaware that so much voice work was recorded in the city. Willingham is also a main cast member of the popular
Dungeons & Dragons web series
Critical Role, where he played Grog in the
first campaign, Fjord in the
second campaign, and a dual role as Sir Bertrand Bell and Chetney Pock O'Pea in the
third campaign. He currently plays Teor Pridesire in Campaign 4.
Critical Role was both the Webby Winner and the People's Voice Winner in the "Games (Video Series & Channels)" category at the 2019
Webby Awards; the show was also both a Finalist and the Audience Honor Winner at the 2019
Shorty Awards. After becoming hugely successful, the
Critical Role cast left the
Geek & Sundry network in early 2019 and set up their own production company called
Critical Role Productions, for which Willingham is
CEO. Willingham reprised his role as Grog. ==Personal life==